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It's Fun to Play the Piano ... Please Pass It On!

A few of the people I spoke with indicated they didn't feel NAMM was doing enough at the grass-roots level to inspire new musicians.

I know NAMM has the new "Wanna Play?" program running now, don't know how successful it is.

There is so much competition for people's attention these days, it's more difficult to convince them of the pleasure and satisfaction you get from making your own music.

I'm happy to report that NAMM has just returned as an underwriter (along with Pearl River and Roland) for Season 7 of The Piano Guy (my weekly PBS series).

There is not a much more "pure play" on the grass-roots, inspiring new musicians, enjoying making music front as my show.

I was really thrilled with this year's NAMM from this industry standpoint: The last 5-6 years have been marked with a lot of positive discussion and many disparate programs, initiatives, and programs all "dipping their toes in the water" of recreational music making. Although everyone "felt" in their hearts is was the right way to move, NAMM and the industry being as big a ship as they are took a while to get things turned and moving in one direction. I really heard and felt for the first time this year a united, earnest, coming from all fronts, push towards building the market through creating more happy life-long music makers.

One great example is the new RMM (recreational music making) NAMM site. I'd encourage everyone to check it out as it's chock-full of research, videos, and other things all relating to the topic. Finally anyone in or out of the industry can find out RMM info in a sort of "one-stop-shop." NAMM\'s new RMM website

105th NAMM Show Closes with Record Breaking FinishVibrant Show Sets Positive Tone for Music Products Industry's 2007 Sales Year

NAMM, the trade association of the international music products industry, today announced final registration and exhibitor numbers for the 2007 NAMM Show. At show close, NAMM reported a four percent increase in overall registration for a grand total of 84,695 registrants.[/b]

The association previously announced breaking the all-time record of exhibitors with 1,535 companies displaying products at this year's NAMM Show.[/b] International attendance showed an eight percent increase for a total of 9,889 registrants from more than 100 countries.[/b]

During the four-day event, buyers and sellers of musical instruments and products held meetings, wrote orders and shared opinions about the year ahead. In addition to the great business opportunities, as many regular show attendees know, there were also plenty of "only at a NAMM show" moments to meet and interact with some of the greatest artists in the world who regularly attend.

"We were gratified to see the industry come together during these challenging times to work together in order to seize the many opportunities ahead of us in the coming year," said Joe Lamond, president and CEO, NAMM. "NAMM is pleased to serve its Members by producing the NAMM Show which fuels our 'circle of benefits,' where show revenues are reinvested back into the industry through market-building programs, partnerships and initiatives that drive more interest in making music."

Originally posted by ShiroKuro: Sorry, I know this isn't strictly on topic, but what is the National Piano Traveler's Association? I did a quick search, but nothing. It certainly has an intriguing name at least. [/b]

---------------------------------------------From their web site:

Since 1904, almost one hundred years ago, the NPTA has been an integral part of the world’s piano industry and is the oldest trade group under the banner of NAMM.

Back in 1901 a group of 52 piano dealers banded together to form an organization known as Piano Dealers of America, ostensibly to combat unscrupulous tactics used by some merchants to market their pianos. Remember, in those days the piano was the second most popular consumer item in America! Did you know there were 325,000 pianos built in the United States in the year 1923. What happened from then to now?

Also on the scene was the Piano Manufacturers Association (PMA) formed primarily to “black-list” lazy workers, strikers, and (if you can believe it) disloyal and dishonest piano travelers!

Well, this raised the dander of those travelers who went before us, and the National Piano Travelers Association came into existence in 1904, its initial purpose being to counteract some of the PMA’s actions. Most likely their efforts weren’t too effective, but the fact that a group of traveling salesmen got together at each music convention to meet and discuss mutual problems (and probably to swap a few lies, too!) shows the common bond that grew and grew

http://www.pianotravelers.com/--------------------------------------They have a big gathering the night before the NAMM show starts. There's good food and drink, with lots of piano industry veterans getting together to swap stories and talk about the industry.

You know those upside down peace signs are just that right? Peace signs? Kids today are suprisingly similar to the older generation with window dressings to help them feel different. But they're really not. On the one hand they look hip, on the other hand they are Rocky Horror Picture Show ca. 1978.

Yes, thanks Frank. I'm still sort of new to PW. I was able to attend the NAMM show in 2006, but not this last one. I'm local in Southern California. Yes, those mountains were always there: ) Some days it's just not clear enough to see them. They move in closer then move out, depending on the wind and such.Hey, I want to play that 12' Rubenstein!!! I'm drooling.Dave G.

convert it to DIvX format 4.7GB files = 700+MB (after convert) with same good quality as DVD, then upload it using torrent uploader..or share it using internet free storage.. for more details about this..try ask youngster (computer gigs) around there..they know how to handle this..